Ten Sisters: A True Story

by Virginia Ruth Waggoner Rackley, Vera Barber, Pauline Ariel

5rd printing of this book. First two editions were in hardcover (1997). This is the fifth edition of the book in softcover. But life was no paradise and in 1942, while their two older brothers served in World War II, the courts separated the sisters in a brief legal proceedings in Coles County Courthouse, Charleston, Illinois. Two were adopted, one went to live with grandparents, five were sent to an orphanage and the others worked for families and organizations. It took fifty years to heal the wounds caused on that winter day in 42 and for the sisters to build a new relationship. This book is sad. It is also funny. It has been highly praised for its unique approach to an all too familiar tale. Each sister wrote her own chapter.

Genres: Memoir

288 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 1999

Reviews

[Alta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mom bought this book for me on my 21st birthday, I believe. The hardcover edition was published in 1998. It was signed by all 10 sisters and I loved the book, such a wonderful true story. Unfortunately, I lost it on June 2, 1999, in a flood.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

With no disrespect to the 12 children, I found their story to be interesting, heart-breaking, and depressing. . . . . . For the life of me, I cannot understand how people procreate without considering the responsibilities involved. I hate to say it but these poor 12 children were victims of their parents' ignorance. The life choices that the parents made and, subsequently, the life choices that their 12 children made, set them (as well as many of the grandchildren) down a path of distress, self-destruction, and suffering. I do applaud their gumption to stick together, despite endless relocations and lack of educations and menial jobs after jobs and divorces after divorces and abuses after abuses. But what I found most interesting is that, of the 10 sisters, not one of them seemed to express or acknowledge that their life journey and those of their siblings has been a train wreck, or that they were victims of their parents. I suppose this type of living is/was all they know.

[Joanne Mendes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Each sister has a chapter. First chapter by the oldest sister pretty much tells the majority of the story. The other sisters/chapters either repeat what the oldest said or they were too young to remember.

[Darlene · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a very repetitive book. Its about ten sisters who were seperated when they were young. Told by each sister which all pretty much remember the same event's. I thought it would be different with each sister in which they retold there stories but it wasn't. I only finished it for that reason.

[Marie · Rating 1 out of 5]

The most difficult thing about writing a story based on the past is knowing when to start and when to stop, how to chop away at extraneous details.
As is illustrated by this book.

[Melanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was a struggle to get through. The basic story of the book was a good one - ten sisters who were separated after their parents divorce. The downfall of the book was it's structure and lack of any editing. Each sister wrote her own chapter, describing each of their experiences growing up and how the separation affected them. It was agreed upon by all the sisters that no editing would take place - this was a mistake. First of all, many of the same stories were continually repeated. The writing ability of many of the sisters could be compared to a fourth grader and many of the details were sketchy at best. It was almost like they assumed that you were there too and remembered the things that happened.
Overall, I would not recommend.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this momoir. This tragic story was told 10 times by 10 different girls....Each remembering the story in their own way. The story was of the painful growing up years and being removed from their home and parents by the state and sent to foster care or group homes. Although each girl went through the same events they perceived them differently. I found it interesting how the older ones saw things differently then the younger ones.

I have heard it told in our own family that different members retell painful events completely differently. Intersting.

None of the sisters in this book finished much schooling so the writing is far from professional, but that's what gave each chapter (girl) a clear voice.

Good, good read.

[Brenda Opperman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not know when I began reading this that the sisters lived in areas of Illinois. Being raised in eastern Illinois, I was very familiar with the setting locations. I also saw parallels with my mother's family and this family of 12 siblings. While this family went through hardships resulting from broken relationships, my mother's family suffered none of that difficulty, due mainly to their strong parental influence. I am so thankful for family.

[Peggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

10 different perspectives on one sad family incident. Some of the sister's stories really broke my heart. Good read!

[Diannablack123gmail.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bobbi Hilligoss Aunt is baby. REal story, intersting to hear all perspectives and in the area I grew up.

[Pl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing is uneven, but, it's an excellent read

[Sandy]

What a life these 10 sisters led. I am still stunned.